The April 1 snow survey shows snowpack ranges from below average to record setting in the North

The Government of Yukon Water Resources Branch has released the April 1 Yukon Snow Survey Bulletin and Water Supply Forecast to help forecast water levels and flow conditions across the Yukon. The April snow survey typically represents peak snowpack and is one of the key factors that informs the development of the early-season flood potential forecast.  

The survey found that the snowpack ranges from below average across the central Yukon to record setting in Old Crow.

• The Porcupine River Basin snowpack is well above average at 166 per cent of historical median, setting a new record both for the basin and in Old Crow.
• The Peel River Basin is also well above average with 140 per cent of historical median.
• The Lower Yukon River Basin is above average at 124 per cent of the historical median.
• Across the southern Yukon the snowpack is close to average, with slightly below average snowpack in the central Yukon.

Most regions can expect slightly below average to average freshet runoff volumes this spring while the Peel, Klondike and Porcupine can expect above average freshet flows.

The April 1 snow survey indicates that there will be low flood potential during spring freshet in most of the territory. However, there is above average flood potential for communities in the Klondike and Porcupine.

Snowpack is one risk factor for high flows, water levels and flooding during the spring breakup and snowmelt period. Spring weather, the timing and progression of snowmelt and precipitation events are also important drivers of flooding regardless of snowpack levels.

The Government of Yukon, through the Emergency Measures Organization, continues to plan and coordinate with local governments and agencies to enhance flood preparedness and emergency response efforts. These efforts aim to ensure that Yukoners are informed of flood risks and adequately equipped to address potential flooding incidents within their communities.